The Great Houdini :: Free Essays Online

The Great Houdini   The performer known world wide as enkindle Houdini was born(p) on March 24, 1874 in Budapest. Although Houdini often claimed to be born in Appleton, Wisconsin, Houdini actually came to the United States when he was four years old. To this twenty-four hour period many connected with the small town of Appleton still claim the untruth that Houdini was born there strictly to attract tourists. Houdinis father was Mayer Samuel Weiss. Houdinis father was a Rabbi. His mothers name was Cecilia Steiner Weiss. His parents spoke little English, and the family was quite poor so to the highest degree of the children began to work at an early age. From the age of eight youthful Ehrich Weiss interchange newspapers and worked as a shoe shine boy. At the age of 12, young Ehrich left home to make his way in the world in an attempt to economic aid support his family. Young Ehrich traveled the country for virtually a year, always sending m aney home when he could. lastly he joined up with his father in New York City. The family go to New York in the hope of finding a better livelihood there. In New York, Houdini worked as a messenger and as a cutter in a garment center sweat shop, to help support his family. Houdini began performing magic as a teenager firstly calling himself Eric the Great. Ehrich acquired the name Houdini from a book he read, "The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin," the autobiography of one of the greatest magicians of the day. Influenced by what he read and learned about the internationally known magician Robert Houdin, young Ehrich changed his name to Houdini, hoping to be in nearly way like his new found mentor. Houdinis first magic shows consisted of account tricks and other simple magic. in brief Houdini began experimenting with hand cuffs and using them in his acts. Houdini performed with other young man who worked with him in the factory in New York. They called themselves the Houdini Brothers. Soon Houdinis yo unger brother Theo took the place of the boy from the factory. Together with his brother Theo, they time-tested to succeed as the Houdini Brothers. Their first performances included shows at amusement parks, beer halls, "dime bag museums," and at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893. In 1894, Houdini met Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner, who was singing and saltation as part of the Floral Sisters.